Memphis News Today: Stories That Matter to Our City

Memphis storytelling is going national. Bryan Roberson — known across the city’s creative scene as YoBreezye — is featured in a new PBS digital series exploring how culture and identity are preserved through modern storytelling. Roberson appears in episode two of “The Story in Us,” an eight-part documentary series streaming on PBS Voices, PBS’ YouTube…

The countdown is on. The full daily lineup for the 2026 RiverBeat Music Festival has officially dropped, and May 1–3 at Tom Lee Park is shaping up to be one of the biggest weekends of the year along the riverfront. Now in its third year, RiverBeat continues to grow its national profile while staying rooted…

RiverBeat Music Festival returns to Downtown Memphis May 1–3 for its third year — and while the lineup is stacked with global icons, one thing remains true: Memphis is always the biggest star. Produced by Mempho Presents, the festival takes over Tom Lee Park with a 2026 lineup led by Dave Matthews Band, Wu-Tang Clan,…

Two of Memphis’ most significant historic landmarks are set to receive major federal investment, marking an important step forward in preserving the city’s cultural legacy. Congressman Steve Cohen announced $17 million in Community Project Funding for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District. Of that total, $4.3 million will support restoration efforts at Mason Temple and Clayborn Temple…

At his annual State of the City address, Mayor Paul Young outlined a vision centered on public safety progress, housing growth, youth opportunity, and culture as a driver of economic momentum, emphasizing that Memphis is rising with intention.  From historic reductions in serious crime to a commitment to building 10,000 new homes in the city’s core by…

Memphis talent took center stage in New Orleans this Mardi Gras season and brought home top honors. Two Memphis-Shelby County Schools marching bands earned first-place victories in Battle of the Bands competitions during Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, showcasing the strength of music education across the Memphis. Whitehaven High School’s “Sounds of Perfection” Band…

A major investment in one of Memphis’ historic institutions is set to expand opportunity for the next generation of business leaders. FedEx has committed $500,000 to support the business department at LeMoyne-Owen College, reinforcing career readiness, entrepreneurship, and student success at the city’s only historically Black college. The funding will support four key areas: job…

While teacher burnout and job mobility continue to challenge schools nationwide, new data suggests Memphis educators may be charting a different path. According to a 2025 survey from Teach901, local teachers are staying put — and staying satisfied. Nationally, 44% of K–12 teachers report feeling burned out “always” or “very often,” according to Gallup. Federal…

Kenneth Walker III’s journey from Arlington High School to football’s biggest stage reached its defining moment Sunday night. The Memphis native delivered a career performance in Super Bowl LX, earning MVP honors while leading the Seattle Seahawks to a 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. With the win, Seattle captured its…